Effect of soil nutrients on the growth and survivility of white sandal (santalum album l) in south west bengal

Sandalwood (Santalum album L.) is a precious timber plant which has been serving the world’s population since human civilization. It (S. album L.) grows in sandy alluvial or laterite soil having adequate edaphic as well as environmental factors. But it ensures its survivility when host plants are available in its surrounding root zone. It has also been found that host is no more required for its growth and development after 3-4 years. Demand for sandalwood and oil is increasing and the gap between demand and supply is widening. To bridge the gap, afforestation programme is aimed at for increasing the productivity. Considering all these facts a venture was undertaken to conduct an experiment for its mass cultivation in the forest gardens under Bankura(S) and Bankura(N) Forest Divisions in West Bengal. The aim and objective of the study is to observe the influence of soil nutrients of the locations on the growth and development of Santalum album L. in this tract.